Summer reading

We used to join with two other families of teens for a summer reading project. The adults would choose three books, one for each month of the summer. At the end of each month we'd gather at one of our houses, or a park, or maybe even an ice cream establishment, to discuss that month's book together. Great conversations would come from these times, and the teens were challenged in their Christian faith. But in the past few years, as the kids have grown, we've found it more and more difficult to coordinate the summer schedules of three families and the reading project went by the wayside.  Not willing to completely let it die, however, I came up with a plan for our family to continue the project.

Since other parents of teens were often interested in our summer project and used to ask what books we were reading, I thought I would put this information on the blog for you to use. Tailor it to fit your family's needs and interests. I tried to include books on a variety of topics, and at different reading levels (to include the 12 year old as well as the teens and maybe even some of the college students). I also just chose books that I have already read and which were on our bookshelves. They can take turns with the books and share them as necessary. Most of all, have fun together as you talk about and explore Christianity.

This is the information that was given to our children in preparation for this summer. One has ambitiously started already. And if anyone local wants to join us, and any of the dates suit, we'd love to expand our reading/discussion circle!

Summer Reading Project

We are going to do our summer reading project is a little different this year. Below you will find a list of books. Each month, you may read a different book. If you do so, we have a date scheduled to take you out to eat to discuss the book. This is completely voluntary so if you are the only person who reads a book, Mom and Dad will take you out alone. If 4 of you read the book, then we will take all four of you out to dinner. If none of you read a book, Mom and Dad will get a date night. The only other requirement is that you take one page of notes (in a journal or on a piece of notebook paper) while you read and that you bring these notes along with you. (NOTE: A page equals a page or more. A page does not equal just a few sentences. Period.) If you have already read one or more books on the list, please be honest and choose books you have not yet read.

Still confused? Just start reading. If you finish a book (with a page of notes) by June 30, you can go out to dinner. Then start reading a new book from the list and if you finish by July 29, you can go out to dinner. Then start reading a new book from the list and if you finish by Aug. 24, you can go out to dinner. If, for example, you start a book in June but don’t finish until Aug., then you can join us for dinner in Aug. (but not in June or July). Got it?

Deadlines/Dinner dates

June 30

July 29

Aug. 24

Book List

Unoffendable by Brant Hansen

Epic by John Eldredge

Fight by Craig Groeschel

Enjoy the Silence by Robbins and Robbins

Compelled by Love by Heidi Baker

But Don’t All Religions Lead to God? By Michael Green

Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris

Coals of Fire by Elizabeth Bauman

The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Summer reading again

Tomorrow marks the last day of school for one child, next Tuesday is the last day for a few more, 1 is finished the end of next week, and one more child the week after that. Ahhh, they might be thinking, summer vacation, no school, no work, no homework, no books.

But they'd be wrong. The King kids always have to read over the summer. There's daily independent reading but there's also the summer book club with 2 other families. Together we choose one book for each month, the older kids and parents all read the assigned book each month, and then we get together to discuss it at the end of the month, usually over ice cream but always over food. One year we even had the author join us for the discussion.

We've read books by C.S. Lewis, Josh McDowell, and Heidi Baker. We've covered topics like living your faith in America, and loving like Jesus.

In the past I've blogged about it after the fact and many other parents of teens have expressed interest but since summer is over, it never happens.

So this year I'm ahead of the game. We've already conferred with the other two families in our little book club and have come up with this summer's game plan. For anyone interested, feel free to copy our reading plan:

June - Crazy Love by Francis Chan
July - Moral Revolution by Kris Vallotton
August - God Guides by Mary Geegh*

We are often asked how we get our kids to read during the summer. More importantly, how we get them to read "boring Christian books". It's easy, we force them. Actually, there's a bit more to it than that. Here are some tips that we've found helpful:

1. The overall family value of obedience, no matter the age. Summer reading is something we do. It's an expectation and except on one occasion when a child chose not to read the book (and also did not get to participate in the end-of-the-month fun), all have respectfully complied.

2. The parents read the book, too. We're not asking our kids to do something that we won't do. Well, I can speak only for myself here. The Good Doctor might have a few confessions to make.

3. Peer pressure in the home. The older teens who are around read the book which in turn creates positive peer pressure for the younger teens.

4. Peer pressure outside the home. Because we partner with two other families, and because each of us takes advantage of positive peer pressure, all of the teens will do what the other teens are doing.

5. Food. They are teens, after all. Each end-of-the-month discussion includes a treat, either homemade at someone's house or bought at an ice cream shop or other specialty store. Maybe you could pair your discussions with a tour of local fare that you've never tried before.

If you and your friends decide to join the fun with your teens, we'd love to hear about it.


*A note about this book. You can purchase it on the website linked above. You can also find it on Amazon for $1 more. If you are like The Good Doctor, you will take one look at the author, call her outdated, and question me as to why we are reading this book. Trust me. You will be changed by reading this short but simple yet so profoundly encouraging book. As far as the author looking outdated, I suggested to The Good Doctor that they might be able to find a more recent photo of the author but I'm not certain many of us would appreciate the photo of an exhumed and photographed person, no matter how up-to-date.

Outdoors

Note: No babies were harmed in the taking of these photos.

We took Mr. Victor outside to enjoy the beautiful weather today.  He loved it!

Taking after his older brother, Andrew, he decided to enjoy some time as Superman and explore the skies above the city.

Next he explored underwater.

But then we ran out of driveway so we'll have to wait til after it rains to give him more adventures.

Summertime chores

Dear Laura Sybil,

I'm working on a summer chore chart for my kids and I'm stuck. I think I remember seeing something like this at your place one time. Can you help me out?

Signed,
Help! The Kids are Home


Dear Help! The Kids are Home,

Hmmm... I'm not sure it was my house at which you saw a chore chart. I don't think I've used such an item, at least not in recent years. You may have seen a list on the refrigerator. This list clearly stated what tasks would need to be completed in a day before a child could go outside, play with neighbors, or use his/her thirty minutes of screen time. Tasks not completed? Then your activity options are pretty limited. That seemed to do the trick.

So, what's on my list, you ask? Well, remember, I'm a mean mom. The kind who used to be a teacher and knows that all kids lose skills in the summer so she keeps 'em busy. (Disclaimer: Copy only if you want to be a mean mom, too) If you are a child reading this blog, you probably don't want your mom reading it. Here it is:

Devotions
Brush teeth
Make bed
Clean room
Daily chores (different for each child)
Empty bin (each child has a bin in the laundry room and needs to check it daily for clean laundry to be put away)
30 minutes independent reading
Summer project - 3 or more times/week (each child chooses a summer project, with guidance, something of interest to the child so it will keep them learning without them knowing it)
Math assignment - 3 or more times/week

This year I did choose to add a little twist so I made BINGO boards for their independent reading, summer project, and math assignments. Each board is specifically designed for the individual child and his/her educational level and needs. I initially found the idea here at How Does She, a blog with great printables and ideas. I then tweaked it to meet our needs.

After finishing a row and winning "Bingo," the child can choose from a select list of items including having Mom do your chores for the day, or using 15 extra minutes of screen time. Finishing the whole board can get you 1 extra hour of screen time or lunch with a parent at McDonalds.

So far, so good. But, dear friend, remember that the key is not to do exactly what I'm doing, but to find what works for you and for your child. Creativity is the key.

Oh, and have a great summer!

Sincerely,
Laura Sybil